Best Convertible Car Seats 2024 | Crash Tested

Best Overall Convertible and Crash Testing

Graco 4Ever DLX

$330 at Amazon

The Graco 4Ever DLX is a great all-around seat suitable for most families, regardless of your car seat goals. We love the better crash test sensor results and believe the 4Ever potentially offers an additional margin of protection based on our analysis of the results. This seat is good-looking, easy to use, offers straightforward installation, and comes with a reasonable price.

While the 4Ever is one of the best seats and a tester favorite, it isn't very narrow, and three across in one row might be harder. The Graco FlimFit 3-in-1 is somewhat slimmer and has similar scores in most metrics, including crash test analysis, with the benefit of a cheaper price. If you want something that provides more comfort and quality but is otherwise comparable to the 4Ever, the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 can save you money but offer very similar performance and features. Overall, the 4Ever is an impressive top scorer that offers a lot and will make most families happy.

Read more: Graco 4Ever DLX review

Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer

Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1

$225 at Amazon

The Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 is an impressive convertible seat in this lineup. It features easy-to-use push-style LATCH connectors and is easier to install than most. It performed well in our commissioned crash tests, earning one of the highest analysis scores in our lineup of options. It offers a comfortable riding experience for little ones with ample padding and a nap-worthy headrest, and taller kiddos will appreciate the leg extension that offers more legroom than a standard seat.

The Extend2Fit offers better crash test results than our budget-friendly option, and with sales, you can often find it for a cheaper price than other award winners in this lineup. It isn't as easy to install using the vehicle belt. While not super challenging, if this is going to be your main installation type, the Graco 4Ever DLX might be a better choice. Overall, the Extend2Fit is an excellent option that will work well for most families but is a real contender for those concerned with staying rear-facing and crash test results.

Read more: Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 review

Best Value Convertible Seat

Graco SlimFit 3-in-1

Check price at Amazon

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a great seat with better crash test analysis results and a reasonable price tag. The SlimFit is easy to install using LATCH, has better push-style connectors, and doesn't require towels in our tests. We think it is easy to use and provides enough features for comfort that you won't get complaints from toddler passengers on longer rides. While belt installation could be easier, there is much to love about this economical seat.

All of the Graco seats performed well and were almost in a class of their own in this review. If you want slightly better crash test scores than the SlimFit or a better overall result, then the Graco 4Ever is one to consider. If you hope for something similar to the SlimFit but want more for comfort or quality, then the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 might be a better fit. No matter which Graco you go for, we think you'll be pleased, but if you want a high scorer with a lower price, we believe the SlimFit is the best fit.

Read more: Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 review

Best on the Tightest Budget

Evenflo Tribute 5

$80 at Amazon

The Evenflo Tribute 5 is one of the least expensive seats in this review. However, that is not enough for any product to win an award. The Tribute fills a niche we think will appeal to many parents for different reasons. It is the cheapest seat in our review but it earned one of the top crash test analysis results! We love safety and think it offers an additional margin of safety over lower-scoring options, so we gave it an award despite its lackluster performance. If your budget is tight and safety is key, the Tribute is an excellent seat to consider.

The Tribute is hard to install, so much so that if you can afford something like the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, we think it is worth the extra money for good crash test results and more straightforward installation performance. While more than twice the price of the Tribute, if you can swing it, we think it is worth it. However, if you have the tightest budget or need a secondary seat that doesn't need to be installed often, we think having a seat like the Tribute on hand is useful.

Read more: Evenflo Tribute 5 review

Easiest to Use Convertible

Nuna RAVA

Read the Review

The Nuna RAVA is a very high-end convertible car seat with deep comfort padding, super soft fabric, and a sleek look with quality construction and impressive attention to detail. The Nuna offers top performance for comfort and quality and is easy to install, no matter which option you prefer. We like that it is the easiest option to use and has some of the best crash test analyses, indicating a potential margin of safety over the average seat in this review.

The Nuna is expensive, making it a possible no-go if your budget is limited. It is also heavy, so it isn't the best choice for traveling or carpooling, as we believe most parents won't want to carry it for very long. If you want something less expensive or with better crash test results, then the Graco 4Ever DLX is a great choice. While it lacks some of the quality and comfort of the Nuna, it has one of the best crash test results in the group and will cost significantly less. Overall, the Nuna is a quality seat with impressive scores in most metrics, and for families where budget is less of a concern and ease of use is number one, the Nuna is one for your list of contenders.

Read more: Nuna RAVA review

Favorite Rotating Seat

Cybex Sirona S

$400 at Amazon

The Cybex Sirona S is our favorite 360-rotating seat. With the increase in the popularity of rotating seats, this stands out for many reasons and is one to consider if your goal is rotation. The Sirona is easy to install using both methods and is one of the easiest in the group. Also, if comfort or quality is important to you, it is tough to beat the Sirona in our tests. For these reasons, we think most parents looking for rotation will be happy with this option.

The Sirona crash test results are slightly below average, and while considered safe and performed better than some, if your goal is rotation and better crash test results, the Sirona might not be the one for you. The Baby Jogger City Turn is a rotating seat in the rear-facing installation with significantly better crash test analysis results. While this option doesn't rotate in forward-facing, we think most parents won't mind, given the potential for an additional margin of safety. However, if your goal is full rotation and you enjoy comfort, quality, and ease of use, we believe the Sirona is the seat for you.

Read more: Cybex Sirona S review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	84	Nuna RAVA Easiest to Use Convertible	$650
	80	Graco 4Ever DLX Best Overall Convertible and Crash Testing	$330
	79	Cybex Sirona S Favorite Rotating Seat	$550
	78	Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer	$250
	78	Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Best Value Convertible Seat	$220
	78	Baby Jogger City Turn	$550
	74	Chicco NextFit Zip	$320
	72	Evenflo Gold Revolve360	$380
	71	Nuna Revv	$650
	70	Cybex Eternis S	$300
	70	Britax One4Life ClickTight	$400
	68	Britax Boulevard Clicktight	$360
	65	UPPAbaby Knox	$300
	62	Evenflo Tribute 5 Best on the Tightest Budget	$80
	61	Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible	$350
	59	Clek Foonf	$580
	57	Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One	$270
	56	Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One	$160
	56	Clek Fllo	$430
	47	Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+	$350

How We Test Convertible Car Seats

We take convertible car seat testing very seriously because the stakes are so high. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that "car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13."

Our testing process begins with buying two units of each car seat. We send one to the same certified crash testing lab used by NHTSA for crash testing, and we share the crash testing results with you to help you make an informed decision. Our tests are somewhat faster than the federal guidelines to help differentiate between safe but average seats and those that might offer an additional margin of safety. Then, we buy a second unit of each car seat to put through our rigorous hands-on testing process at GearLab. Combining unbiased crash testing and hands-on testing allows us to evaluate car seat performance from a safety and daily use perspective.

Our convertible car seat testing is divided across six rating metrics:

• Crash Tests (35% of overall score weighting)
• Ease Of Installation - LATCH (20% weighting)
• Ease Of Installation - Vehicle Belt (15% weighting)
• Ease Of Use tests (15% weighting)
• Comfort/Quality tests (10% weighting)
• Weight/Size tests (5% weighting)

Over the last several years, we've purchased more than 40 convertible car seats (two of each). We conduct a multi-point performance analysis to score and rank crash test results and other functional metrics like ease of use and installation (LATCH and belt). We've installed more car seats than anyone on the planet with testing that includes multiple testers installing the best car seats in multiple vehicle types across all safety seat categories: convertible, boosters, and infant seats.

The convertible car seats are subjected to more than 45 individual tests to evaluate their performance. The most important rating is the crash test analysis score based on the crash test results from MGA, corresponding to 35% of the overall score. We use the head and chest sensor data recorded by the crash test dummies in each seat to reach our conclusions for this metric. Our reviews also rely on intense product research and observations from multiple testers to compare each product side-by-side.

We suggest you keep your baby in their infant car seat until they are 9-12 months old or as their height starts to push the infant seat's maximum length (always rely on the manufacturer's limitations of your infant seat to guide you). You should check weight capacity, too, but more often than not, the height limit will force the switch to a convertible seat.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our in-house convertible car seat test protocol development was led by Certified Passenger Safety Technician, Bob Wofford. Bob helped create our original in-house testing protocol. We also consulted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) experts about their protocol and crash test results. Last but not least, we consulted and contracted with MGA Research, the same national testing facility that has the compliance contract for FMVSS 213 assessing the safety of car seat in the US. Jessica Riconscente also contributed with hands-on testing. As a Senior Review Analyst, she led the charge for all car seat updates, testing, and installation for more than 60 seats across categories. Our panel of experts also includes Dr. Juliet Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician , mother, and founder of BabyGearLab with a background in urgent pediatric care.

How to Choose a Convertible Car Seat

Convertible car seats should be viewed through a safety lens when making your selection. Safety includes how easy it is to install, how easy it is to use features like the harness, and how well they performed during crash testing.

Installation Method

Each seat has two different methods of installation and at some point you will likely use both as the LATCH method will become obsolete at a certain weight. However, they are all different in how easy they are to use with each method. The ability to install a car seat correctly can impact its overall ability to perform during an accident, so you want to pick one you feel confident you can install correctly for maximum safety.

Ease of Use

Being able to use the features of the seat correctly can impact the safety of the passenger. Studies show that injuries in an accident can be related to incorrectly adjusted harnesses or inappropriate use of other features. You want to find a seat that is easy to use and adjust every single time you put your child inside.

Crash Test Analysis

Once you have a few easy to install and use seats on your shortlist, we think the last step is crash test analysis. While crash test performance is important studies indicate that a lot of injuries happen during real world accidents due to incorrect installation or a poorly fitted harness. However, this doesn't mean you should ignore crash testing and the analysis results can provide valuable information to help you settle on the perfect seat for you.

Analysis and Test Results

We include the details parents require to make an informed decision about which convertible car seat is best for their child, goals, and budget.

Value

This group has budget-friendly options with winners and lower-priced seats to meet your needs and safety goals. Seeing so many reasonably priced options perform so well with standout crash test analysis results was refreshing. Our Editor's Choice winner is a great value even if it is somewhat more expensive than some as it is still about three hundred dollars less than the most expensive selections.

The Graco 4Ever (above left) is an impressive all-around seat we think parents will appreciate. However, if this is a little out of budget, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 (above right) is a budget-savvy choice with a similar test result profile and a lower list price. Last, if your budget is uber-tight and you need the best crash test results for the lowest price, the Evenflo Tribute is tough to beat with a price almost anyone can afford and a crash test result that few seats bested.

Crash Test Performance

BabyGearLab contracts with the same crash test facility that the NHTSA uses to perform our convertible seat crash tests. We purchase two of each seat and send one to MGA, where we pay for them to complete crash tests. MGA tests the seats using a faster speed and a slightly firmer sled than the FMVSS 213 safety standard. We chose this on purpose to mimic late-model vehicles better and to see if faster speeds helped differentiate the seats from one another. All seats in this review are assumed to have passed the federal guidelines and should be considered safe. Based on test results, those we identify as better than average are options that potentially offer an additional margin of safety over the average seat.

After receiving the crash test data we commission, we perform a detailed analysis of the sensor data from each car seat's crash dummy to determine how they compare to the competition and the federal standard.

So, what is the most critical information from crash impact tests when analyzing results?

• The risk of head injury related to the HIC sensor result
• The risk of chest injury related to the chest clip (g clip) sensor result

An analysis of auto crash injuries for children shows that head and chest injuries are the two most significant risks of fatal or severe injuries.

Additional Safety Features

Some seats have additional features that manufacturers claim will improve the seat's safety. Our crash test score analysis did not consider these features or claims. Because manufacturers do not publish comparison test data to analyze, it is impossible to determine their efficacy. We understand parents are curious about side impact protection (SIP) or an anti-rebound bar (ARB), and these features could factor into your decision-making process. Still, we encourage you to proceed cautiously when deciding based solely on these features. There is no way to tell what each manufacturer means when they use terminology that lacks an agreed-upon meaning (like SIP). This lack of information makes it impossible to compare seats with similar-sounding claims, especially without a universally agreed-upon language to describe what the claims genuinely mean.

We can confirm that our crash test results indicate that anti-rebound bars often, but not always, improve the crash test dummy sensors results compared to not using the anti-rebound bar. We like them as a safety feature, but we feel actual crash testing data is more critical than stated features or claims.

Related: How to Avoid Infant Car Seat Installation Mistakes

Best Seats Based on Crash Test Analysis

We rated each seat compared to the competition using crash test report analysis. The scoring helps quantify the convertible car seats that offer an additional margin of protection, in our opinion, over and above the basic level of protection found in all seats.

The Graco 4Ever DLX earned our best crash test rating thanks to excellent Chest Clip (g) and HIC scores. The Evenflo Tribute 5, Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1, Nuna RAVA, and Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 have similar analysis results slightly lower than the 4Ever. The Chicco NextFit Zip and the Baby Jogger City Turn are just below these results and still rank highly.

Ease of Install Using LATCH

Studies show that more than 7 out of 10 car seats are incorrectly installed, or the harness is not fitted correctly . As a result of these statistics, we feel ease of installation and ease of use are critical metrics when selecting a car safety seat. Both can potentially impact overall safety, and we take these metrics very seriously.

The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) installation method should make it easier to install car seats correctly with fewer opportunities to make mistakes. For this reason, we recommend using the LATCH method whenever possible to increase the chances of installing a seat correctly. Nearly all convertible car seats have the LATCH connectors, and most vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002, offer the anchors on the left and right sides of the back seat. So, the good news is you should be able to utilize the LATCH method until your child outgrows the LATCH connectors' weight limit (please see your safety seat user manual).

Our tests determined that some seats are easier to install using LATCH instead of the vehicle belt. However, surprisingly, many options are easier to install using the vehicle belt not the LATCH. The main problem? Some testers struggle to tighten the LATCH straps to properly secure the convertible car seat to the vehicle.

There are three main types of LATCH connectors: push-style (above left), hook-style (above right), and rigid LATCH (video below). We typically see the hook style connectors on less expensive seats like the Evenflo Tribute 5, and were surprised to find them on some of the more expensive options like the Britax lineup.

One of the most straightforward LATCH connection types is the rigid LATCH, like those seen on the forward-facing Clek Foonf. This design is virtually foolproof, with not much to do other than make the connection and slide the seat back.

Best Seats For LATCH Installation

Top-performing seats for LATCH installation include those with push-style connectors, easy-to-pull straps, and often lock-off mechanisms. These options include the Nuna Revv, Evenflo Gold Revolve360, and the Cybex Sirona S. Following close behind are the Baby Jogger City Turn, Nuna RAVA, Graco 4Ever DLX, Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 and the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1. The hardest to install using LATCH are the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One, Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, Clek Fllo, and the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One.

Ease of Install — Vehicle Belt

No matter how or where you hope to install your new car seat, you must install it using the vehicle belt at some point, as LATCH connectors have weight restrictions that most children will outgrow before they outgrow their convertible car seat. Also, many center seats don't have LATCH anchors, even though it is the safest location for seat installation. Most LATCH connections use weight limits of about 40 - 50 lbs of child weight before the seat requires installation using the vehicle belt only. Given that many of the products have a weight limit of 50-80 lbs, it is clear that most children will utilize the vehicle belt at some point.

Don't despair! We will tell you which seats are the easiest to install using the vehicle belt and provide information on the correct installation and where to get help if you are unsure about anything or if something doesn't seem right.

The Benefit of the Seat Belt Lock-Off

Some seats are easier to install using a seat belt than competitors, and most of these seats have a trick by way of a belt lock-off located on the seat. This feature is so helpful; it is a game-changer for installing seats with a vehicle belt, and we believe you'll feel significantly more comfortable installing a seat using the belt if it has one of these nifty lock-offs.

In this review, several seats have a belt lock-off located on the seat. Interestingly, most of these seats ranked higher overall and have higher installation scores using a vehicle belt. The Evenflo Gold Revolve360, Nuna RAVA, and the Britax One4Life ClickTight scored the highest for belt installation and each has a useful belt lock-off.

Coincidence? We think not.

Some lock-offs work a little better than others, but even those that are challenging, still provide a more secure feeling installation in our tests than seats without a lock-off. We found that options with a lock-off were as secure when installed with a belt as with the LATCH (some even more so). This fact can be a relief when you need to install the seat with a belt, which is highly likely given the weight limitations of LATCH systems.

The seats lacking a lock-off typically didn't perform as well and included the Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible, Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One, and the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One. Interestingly, the Clek Foonf and the Clek Fllo both have lock-offs but were challenging to install despite this and didn't score well for this installation method.

Ease of Use

Convertible car seats have similar designs with few apparent differences that are not cosmetic. However, the options diverge in ease of use, with some being significantly easier to use than other contenders, thanks to extra features or better functionality of features like buckles.

The Ease of Use metric includes the functionality of standard features, including harness adjustment and chest clips, ease of tightening or loosening the harness, fabric cover removal for cleaning, and more. If your chosen option is challenging, you may not use it as the manufacturer advised, or you could become chronically frustrated.

Buckles and Chest Clips

The buckles and chest clips in this group are largely average. While some have prongs that pop out somewhat independently, and others have chest clips that slide apart smoother, none were that challenging or impossible to use. The Cybex Sirona S does have a smart chest clip that provides alerts and information about car temperature and if a child has been left behind. The Sirona and the Nuna RAVA are two of the best in the group.

Harness Tightening and Loosening

Each seat has a harness tightening strap and a harness release button to loosen the straps. Some of these were harder to pull, and the buttons varied in style and ease of use. The Graco 4Ever DLX has one of the group's best tightening and release mechanisms. The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One rated poor.

Adjusting the Harness

There are primarily two methods for adjusting the harness height on convertible car seats. The simplest method is a non-rethread style that involves moving the headrest/harness shoulder strap assembly up and down (video above). The more intricate design includes removing the shoulder straps from a splitter plate on the back and physically moving the straps from one slot height on the seatback to thread them through different slots. While this method isn't particularly hard or frustrating, it takes more time and requires you to remove your child from the seat for access, and if the car seat is forward-facing, you may need to remove the convertible seat from the car to reach the seat splitter plate. Alternatively, the non-rethread method adjusts quickly with your little one in the seat as soon as you notice a need.

We prefer the non-rethread style because it is simple, and we think busy parents will be more likely to keep the harness adequately fitted if they can accomplish this quickly without removing their child from the seat. We worry parents will put off adjusting the harness with the rethread style when needed because it requires an empty seat and more effort. Since injuries can occur when a harness isn't adjusted to fit correctly, we prefer non-rethread assemblies. The Baby Jogger City Turn and the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 are the easiest options to adjust in the group. The Clek Fllo, Clek Foonf, Diono Radian 3RXT Safe+, and the Evenflo Tribute 5 all require rethreading of the straps. This design, in our minds, is acceptable for an inexpensive option like the Tribute 5 but is less palatable on seats like the Cleks that have a higher premium price.

LATCH Storage

LATCH storage is arguably less important for convertible seats than infant carriers since they do not impact installation or inhibit connection between the seat and base. However, it is still helpful if the straps aren't readily accessible to your child and can't contribute to potential injuries floating loose. Some options have designated pockets for LATCH clips, while the most common storage method includes attaching the clips to designated points on the shell.

Cover Removal and Cleaning

Kids' car seats undergo significant messes and require regular cleaning (whether you like it or not). For this reason, we test how challenging it is to remove the fabric covers for washing. We prefer machine-washable covers that are easy to remove and replace. We like handwashing methods over spot cleaning only, but because there is a high potential for throwup, spit-up, and poopy blowouts, it is ideal to have a machine-washable cover you can remove quickly.

Most of the seats are some variation or combination of snaps, elastic loops, and tucking in of fabric. None are overly challenging, but certainly, some are better than others. The easiest to remove include the Evenflo Tribute 5, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible, and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One. The Clek seats don't have removable covers and are spot clean only. We suspect you'll likely require a steam cleaner for bigger messes. Probably the most straightforward and unique cover is on the Chicco NextFit Zip, which has a cover that zips all the way around for easy removal for machine washing.

Comfort/Quality

For comfort and quality, we review the materials and overall construction. We analyze the padding, fabric, and foam and how well they come together compared to the competition. We consider how each seat's design contributes to a baby's potential comfort, parent use, and durability.

All of the convertible car seats have similarities, like a plastic shell, impact foam, comfort padding, and a fabric cover. However, some provide thicker padding, softer or more durable fabric, or foam that doesn't off-gas. Because this is somewhat subjective, we compare the seats side-by-side and rank them as they compare to the other competitors.

The best seats for comfort and quality are the Cybex Sirona S, Evenflo Gold Revolve360, and Nuna Revv. These seats are followed closely by the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1, Nuna RAVA, and the UPPAbaby Knox. The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 also performed well here. The lowest for this metric is the Evenflo Tribute 5. Both Clek* seats also ranked low in this metric, but their results were related more to an uncomfortably hard seat and unforgiving dense foam as opposed to quality.

Weight/Size

We measure the weight and width of each car seat we test, including the forward-facing and rear-facing configuration weight and the width at the widest point (which can vary). While the convertible seat weight is likely not as important as the carrier weight of an infant seat, it can be a consideration if you travel frequently or use public transportation and need to carry it. If your seat will remain in your car most of the time, then how much it weighs might be less of a concern. The Evenflo Tribute 5 at 9.4 lbs is the highest option, while the heaviest is the Clek Foonf at over 33 lbs. The average is about 24 lbs.

How wide a seat could be important to you if you need to fit multiple people or car seats across a back row in your vehicle. We also measured the widest point on each seat for comparison. The narrowest are the Clek options at 16.9 inches, and the widest are the Cybex Eternis S and the Evenflo Gold Revolve360 both at 19.6 inches.

Conclusion